Thelma Ryan

Thelma Mae Ryan was a strong, capable woman whose life and character were shaped by the hardships she endured and the priorities she chose. From an early age, she learned to put the interests of others before her own and became an example of selflessness and courage. Of all the simple pleasures of life, Thelmas greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. Thelma was the oldest of three children born to William and Esther (Green) Manchester on August 19, 1921 in Muskegon, Michigan. At that time, the United States was emerging from the First World War and regaining industrial strength. Yet the economic depression that closed out the decade also shaped the character of its citizens. Thelmas father had worked in the logging and ship building business, but the family went through tough times economically. Out of necessity, they moved frequently in an attempt to find more affordable housing. For a period of time when she was 7 or 8 years old, Thelma lived in a boarding house and helped make lunches for the boarders to take to work. Already at a young age, Thelma took on responsibilities that made her a wonderful big sister to Laurel Lolly and Delores Babe. Thelma attended Muskegon Heights High School, but when tragedy struck the family, she left school in the 11th grade. Her father died when she was 16, and Thelma took a job so she could earn money to pay for school books for her younger siblings. Her willingness to sacrifice for her family became a character trait that followed Thelma into adulthood. Thelmas mother remarried a widower named Ben Morton, and the family grew to include his children, Valora, Morey, Kenneth, Bea and Donna. By that time, Thelma had established herself at Hackley Hospital and had the good fortune to meet a young man by the name of Kenneth Thebo. They fell in love and were soon married when Thelma was just 17 years old. Heartbreakingly, Ken died of a brain hemorrhage just months after the wedding. Once again, Thelma was forced to endure hardship that few people experience at such a young age. In time, Thelmas friends introduced her to Robert Ryan, and the two began dating. They were married in 1941 and started a family with the birth of their daughter Elinda in 1942. Their life was interrupted by WWII when Robert joined the Navy. To help the war effort, Thelma went to work for Teledyne Continental Motors. The job not only provided for their young family, it was also the company that gave Robert a job when he returned home from the war. Then Thelma quit work to care for their daughter and await the arrival of their baby, Floyd, who was born in 1946. The Ryan family settled in the neighborhood between Henry Street and Barclay, where their daughter Robin was born in 1954. Thelma turned her full attention to raising her children, a job she truly loved. Thelma was active in her childrens lives as a Girl Scout leader, a den mother for Cub Scouts and a member of the PTA. She was always busy, and the house was a beehive of activity, as well. Thelma canned vegetables from the garden, cooked fine meals and fixed whatever Robert brought home from fishing and trapping. Over the years, animals of all kinds scurried around the yard: ducks, chickens, exotic birds, baby foxes, pet racoons and even a pony. Having learned to scrimp and save during the years of the Depression, Thelma had become wise with money. She was meticulous about paying bills on time and never owed anybody anything. Uncomfortable with credit, she always paid in cash and bought only what she could afford. She wasnt much for dressing up, but she did like going out to eat at the old House of Chan in downtown Muskegon. Having cultivated a life of simplicity, Thelma was able to deal with the harsh realities of life. Thelma struggled through many years of a difficult marriage with Roberts personal problems. They divorced in 1973, and once more, Thelma had to make her own way. She never returned to full time work, but she did some house cleaning jobs to earn extra money. Thelma found solace in her flower garden, relaxation with fishing and joy in her grandchildren. She was a wonderful grandmother and often babysat for all her grandkids. They affectionately called her Baby Grandma, because she was physically smaller than their other grandmas. Thelma always loved being with her family, and they gave back to her in many ways. Her daughter Robin drove her around a lot, because Thelma never learned to drive. Together they went on many trips around the country: to Maryland and California to visit relatives, Florida and Disneyworld, Las Vegas and parts of Canada. There was also a memorable trip to Maine with Robin and her fiance Mike. When she wasnt on the go, Thelma liked to play bingo with friends or enjoy her collection of music boxes. When she was with family and friends, Thelma was most happy. In the late 1990s, Thelma was diagnosed with COPD and required oxygen to assist her breathing. She also started having kidney problems, but insisted on staying active. She regularly went out to get her hair done and, as recently as the 4th of July holiday 2008, she went to her daughters home to celebrate. However, Thelma became ill and was taken to the hospital, where her body started to fail. She died Monday, July 7, 2008 at the age of 86. Thelma M. Ryans strength of character and steady resolve become the legacy she passes on to her family. They include her 3 children, Elinda (Edward) Leazenby of Newaygo, Robin Speese of Newaygo and Floyd (Tena) Ryan of Muskegon; 4 grandchildren, Cameron Ryan, Heidi Shook, Royce Day and Kelly Day; great grandchildren, Josh VanderLaan, Kristine VanderLaan, Morgan Day and Leah Day; great great grandchildren; Jennifer, Christa and Hunter VanderLaan; 3 sisters, Delores "Babe" Moon of Fremont, Valora Surfus of Maryland and Gerry Spoonas of Carolina. She was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Laurel, Bea, Donna and a brother, Kenneth. A funeral service will be held Friday, July 11, 2008, Noon at Clock Chapel. Interment at Mona View Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit the family 1 hour prior to the service on Friday at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson Research Institute. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.